Raising the Standard:

In my previous post, I did say that I am working on my cynicism and if it comes out here, I apologize. However, I feel the need to rant. Please keep in mind that I do not claim personal perfect, this is merely a reflection of what I've seen.

Upon entering this college, I signed a covenant contract to abide by the rules of this institution. Along with me, every student did the same thing. We all promised to follow the guidelines of the school (i.e. curfew, not doing laundry on Sunday, etc.), yet I have seen time and time again that people who are living in complete juxtaposition to that covenant are exalted as pillars and fine examples of the school. They serve as student council, worship leaders, summer team members, and the list goes on.

Why am I the only one that sees it? Moreover, why can't the school see what is right in front of their eyes? I feel like discipline that happens here is selective. I can't tell you how many times I've been talked to about my hair, yet inappropriate relationships go unchecked and are allowed to spiral into a glorious mushroom cloud before the cheering masses.

And what of grace? Grace makes these situations unfair because I would love nothing more than vindication -yet it's not for me to wish. Grace can only be receive though when it's sought after. God has a wealth of grace for the sinner who humbles himself and seeks it...but what about those who don't?

I'm wrestling with this because I want to believe in this school. I want to believe that there is still some good that happens. It is difficult to see when what is just and fair takes the back seat to what looks and sounds good. Forgive my honesty, but I feel like authoring my own psalm of deliverance from this one. I think it'd go something like this:

Oh Lord, you see everything;
Nothing is hidden from your sight.
When I begin my day you are there in the sunrise;
When I lay my head down you see the visions of my rest.

Oh Lord, you see everything;
Nothing is hidden from your sight.
You see the sinful hearts of men;
You reveal his darkest qualities with your justice.

But Lord, though you see all;
Men who can make right sit idle.
The overseer ties his own blindfold;
He obstructs his own vision so that he may be glorified

God of Justice, I pray for vindication;
Before you throne, I seek Your perfect ruling.
Take from my hands the gavel which would call down fire;
From my heart remove all desires to see Your wrath poured out.

Man seeks vanity in his toil to exalt you,
While he opens his mouth to utter Your praises.
He puts his hand to the plow claiming full tithe,
But secretly stores away the harvest

Oh Lord, you see everything;
Nothing is hidden from Your sight.
Make known the motives of men,
Bring into Your holy light that Your justice may be known.

"And if you die before you wake, I'll pray the Lord your not a fake." - Reggie and the Full Effect